Appearance Regulations for Recruitment?

[kt8319]

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by kt8319

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

This is why you need to have alumnae help you. There will always be a rebel or two, but that doesn't mean that they should be allowed to tank your entire recruitment.

We were sent home with a list of what we would need for which party, and within the first week of classes, we had pass a "fashion show". We didn't have the luxury of a spare closet, but we did have a lot of savvy sisters who brought extra clothing of acceptable sorts. Lots of praise such as, "Oh, that First Party outfit of yours rocks! But this one...." works wonders.

And remember, it takes SEVEN compliments to overcome ONE negative remark.

[sweetmagnolia]

Originally Posted by kt8319

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

For recruitment, with the exception of pref night, we were told: hair down in a style that works for you (if your hair is naturally curly, you can leave it curly as long as it's neat), natural makeup, and one piece of jewelry (not including small stud earrings) that matches the theme of the night. As for nails, if you're choosing polish, go with neutral shades or natural but clean.

[katydidKD]

Originally Posted by kt8319

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

Just saw this and yes, my chapter had those regulations. It seems so tedious to tell girls they can only wear stud earrings, but if looking that uniform is necessary on campus, it's necessary. We also had rules about hair (you need to put effort into it.)

It is perfectly acceptable, and like you said, you aren't asking them to tan or get mani-pedi's--- just leave their self expression when it comes to clothing etc behind for a week/s

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by kt8319

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

Not only do you need alumnae support/involvement, as well as your National Headquarters, your chapter sisters need to get on board. Work with your advisors and resources to include the chapter in this process. If the women believe they had input into the looks for recruitment, as well as the consequences for not following the group, and in Soviet Sorority they will terminate membership and you're seen as Brosephina Stalin.

You've already mentioned before issues with morale and participation so use this opportunity of rush "looks" to get your sisters involved and let them know what the campus and HQ standards and expectations are, and get their input. If they help decide the punishment it won't be a surprise and not something you decided and had to enforce. Also their involvement will hopefully create expectations that are realistic and the majority will be comfortable with. If you have 100% compliance but women feel awkward with their appearance it will be obvious and just as bad as Vibram 5 finger shoes, eye brows that look as if they were done with a Sharpie, cut off acid wash overalls with a racer back body suit unsnapped in the crotch worn with a regular bra, and a zig zag part of blonde dyed hair that makes her head look like a Charlie Brown shirt.

My last bit of advice is if you have dresses and skirts at Preference. Make proper under garments mandatory. This means bras that don't show, shaper/smoothing (aka control top) panty hose or tights to prevent undergarment lines, and look into slips, half and full. Not only are slips ideal for any sorority who wears white or other light colors for initiation, they are great for sheer or light colored skirts and dresses with little to no lining. Half slips can be purchased at Walmart for under ten dollars if money is an issue. Instead of white undergarments a "nude" color is better and there are often shades in many stores to cover all kinds of "nude" and black is useful as well since many business and evening clothes are darker colors.

Some people may go against pantyhose but they are forgiving if someone has scars, missed a spot or cut themselves while shaving, and can prevent blisters in shoes. They can also do double duty under dress pants and cut down on clothing bulk if a woman wants a smoother or shaper. Keep clear nail polish on hand for runs, and also static spray so no one has a skirt that creeps. This whole rush clothing process may introduce some sisters to being properly fitted for a bra, learning about hair and skin care as well as makeup, and don't forget that a little tailoring and seamstress work can make a woman look and feel amazing. Your alumnae, as well as moms, grandmothers, and aunts may have sewing skills, as well as hair and makeup skills. Make the process fun and about trying new things and being who y'all are. Going to the makeup counter at Macy's or Sephora in JC Penney is a way to build sisterhood while still getting chapter work done.

[sweetmagnolia]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

...in Soviet Sorority they will terminate membership and you're seen as Brosephina Stalin...

...just as bad as Vibram 5 finger shoes, eye brows that look as if they were done with a Sharpie, cut off acid wash overalls with a racer back body suit unsnapped in the crotch worn with a regular bra, and a zig zag part of blonde dyed hair that makes her head look like a Charlie Brown shirt...

*like*

[MaggieXi]

A sanction that typically works for the chapter I advise is that if someone violates dress-code for that day is that they are put on the clean up crew for either that day or bid day. No one wants to be stuck picking up while everyone else is either sleeping, eating or celebrating.

The advisors pull the offenders aside and tell them that they are being asked to stay to clean up because they violated the dress code. It cuts the board members out who are busy doing other things.

[33girl]

Ummm, gang, read the rest of her posts. I honestly think the LAST thing she needs is alumnae support (from her chapter's alumnae at least).

Again, it all depends what other chapters on campus do. It also depends on how much you'll be "putting on." Matching outfits and such are one thing, but don't ask girls to get (example) fake nails if they never wear them - they'll be uncomfortable, and you'll look like a bunch of phonies. AOIIAngel pretty much hit the nail on the head.

If you have sisters that would dye their hair pink before recruitment just to "make a statement" or piss people off...you have deeper issues that matching polo shirts are NOT going to fix. It would behoove you all to try and fix them over the summer so you can present a united front to the PNMs in fall.

[twinkle555]

Originally Posted by kt8319

I have already given directions about which outfits will be worn on which nights so they have plenty of time to prepare for recruitment in September. I was just wondering about everyone's policies, such as if you must have your hair down, no nail polish, no big earrings, etc. I'm not really sure how to go about setting these rules, and just wasn't sure about how most chapters have policies on those types of things. And of course I would never force anyone to go tanning or get a manicure or anything of that sort, just the basic regulations and allowances chapters provide. Also, I'm worried about how to enforce it because we have a couple of girls who sometimes ignore policies (things like dying their hair in an odd way right before recruitment would not surprise me).

The chapter I advise did a powerpoint slide showing EVERYTHING acceptable they would need to purchase, including the appropriate jewelry and shoes. As for hair and nails, we always told them they had to have their hair styled (as in not wet, not scrunched..they had to have it down and curly or straightened) and STRONGLY RECOMMENDED a fresh haircut and dye job if needed. Manicures were always either french, nude or clear polish, no colors. We actually did a sneaky way of getting the girls to go tanning, we would have tanning parties at the local salon during spirit week where they would serve non-alcoholic drinks and snacks and offer us HUGE discounts.Tanning wasnt an issue that we enforced. We would also have outfit checks where girls had to present themselves to the recruitment chair and an advisor in all their outfits WITH hair done, shoes, nails, jewelry,etc. So when all was said and done, if there were girls that didnt follow the regulations and guidelines, and they didnt fix the problem,they didnt recruit, plain and simple. Instead they had to do the boring tasks like work in the kitchen and plate snacks, set up crafts for Philanthropy Day etc. Hope that helps

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by twinkle555

We actually did a sneaky way of getting the girls to go tanning, we would have tanning parties at the local salon during spirit week where they would serve non-alcoholic drinks and snacks and offer us HUGE discounts.

That's fucked up.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

That's fucked up.

This month's new hot handbag is having your skin look like a handbag.

GOD. Get with the times!

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

That's fucked up.

My thoughts exactly.

[psy]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

My thoughts exactly.

ITA.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

That's fucked up.

Very. Suggesting a spray tan (SUGGESTING, not requiring...they don't work on everyone and can be expensive) is one thing. Real tanning should be DISCOURAGED.

My chapter used to require red polish on toenails and clear polish on (clean and groomed) fingernails, and natural looking make up and hair (though on our campus a pink streak or something similar in the hair wouldn't be all that unusual and I doubt anyone would ever be asked to change it for recruitment). We did do matching outfits for parties and on my campus many of the sororities wear a certain color when they go out together to stand out, so that was common as well. We had dress checks for our pref and open house dresses. I felt all of that was fair...it drives me crazy to see what some of them look like during recruitment now. I applaud minimal control of appearance. But our campus holds recruitment about 2 weeks after school beings and in my opinion sorority women should at least show up to class with clean hair, clothing, and faces and show up to parties looking their personal best, whatever that might require. Anything less is laziness in my eyes.

I do suggest a refresher course on what clothing is appropriate when, and how to dress different body types correctly (clothing should fit, and that does not mean should-be-shrink-wrapped). And a reminder that being clean and well groomed is essential...not just for recruitment, but for life. Appearance matters. Observe what is the norm on your campus and go from there. It's NOT too much to ask that everyone put their best foot forward during recruitment. But try to come up with your guidelines as far ahead of time as possible, especially if certain outfits are required so that no one grumbles about scrambling around at the last minute to meet the requirements.